Miami projects can begin with very different problems: a family needs another bedroom, a condominium kitchen no longer works, a business is preparing a new tenant space, or a concrete structure needs repair. Those jobs do not call for identical teams. This guide compares three Florida-licensed companies whose published service areas include Miami, while making clear where their offices are and what kind of work each says it handles.
Match the contractor to the scope
Unified Trades LLC covers additions and interior remodeling, commercial build-outs, sitework, new construction and structural concrete work. Its published capabilities include foundation and block-shell work, wind-mitigation inspections and structural pool shells. That breadth may matter when a project combines site preparation and the building itself; the company says it coordinates permitting and inspections under a certified general contractor. Its Miami office is on Southwest 40th Street.
Ballagas Construction presents itself as an owner-led, boutique general contractor for custom homes, additions and high-end home or condominium renovations. Its portfolio spans new construction and finished interior work, and the company says it serves Miami-Dade and Broward. The office is in Brickell.
Safco Construction offers a different profile: it lists active Florida general-contractor, plumbing-contractor and electrical-contractor licenses, and says it performs those trades in-house. Its Miami-Dade work includes residential construction, commercial spaces, structural restoration and public projects. The company identifies work for PortMiami, Miami International Airport and county departments, as well as restaurant, hotel and retail build-outs. Its office is in neighboring Coral Gables, not within the City of Miami.
Permits depend on the property address
“Miami” can mean the City of Miami, another incorporated municipality in Miami-Dade County or an unincorporated neighborhood. The permit counter is determined by the parcel, not by the postal address alone. Before comparing bids, use the city or county’s jurisdiction lookup and ask the contractor who will apply for each building and trade permit, arrange inspections and obtain final sign-off. A contractor’s state credential and a local permit are separate parts of the process.
Florida’s licensing agency advises customers to check both the license number and the company or individual that qualifies the business. The number advertised on a website is a starting point, not a substitute for checking the live state record. Ask for a current certificate of insurance and a written contract that names the legal company, states what is included, identifies allowances and explains how changes are approved.
Compare the proposal, not just the headline price
For an addition, ask whether the proposal includes design coordination, engineering, site work, structural connections and permit fees. For a condo renovation, confirm building-association approvals, delivery rules, work hours and protection of shared areas. For commercial construction, ask how the team will phase work around tenants and inspections. If a project includes electrical or plumbing, make sure the company performing that trade holds the matching credential or identifies its licensed subcontractor.
The three businesses below were selected for a documented Florida license and a public service area that includes Miami; the list is not a workmanship ranking or a guarantee of results. License records were checked October 31, 2026, and showed current active status with expiration dates of August 31, 2028. Status can change, and the right choice still depends on the project, the permit jurisdiction and a written proposal you understand.
Start with the work you need and the license that covers it. Ask each company for a written scope, permit plan, schedule and proof of current insurance, then verify the license again before signing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Miami-based, family-owned Florida Certified General Contractor handling home additions, remodeling, commercial build-outs, sitework and structural concrete.
Additions, remodeling, concrete shells, sitework and commercial build-outs
Owner-led Miami general contractor for custom homes, additions and high-end home and condominium renovations across Miami-Dade and Broward.
Custom homes, additions and high-end residential and condominium renovations
Miami-Dade contractor with active general, plumbing and electrical licenses, self-performed trades, commercial, residential and public-project experience.
Commercial and public construction, structural repair, residential work, plumbing and electrical
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Construction Industry Business Information ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation · Accessed October 31, 2026
State guidance explains how to verify the contractor license and the qualifying business entity.
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Warning Signs When Hiring Contractors ↗
Primary source
Miami-Dade County · Accessed October 31, 2026
County consumer guidance on verifying licenses, insurance, written terms, permits and inspections.
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How to Apply for a Permit ↗
Primary source
Miami-Dade County · Accessed October 31, 2026
Official permit process; the property address determines which authority handles the work.
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Remodeling and Construction ↗
Primary source
City of Miami · Accessed October 31, 2026
City permit and construction information for addresses within the City of Miami.
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Review and Permitting ↗
Primary source
Miami-Dade County · Accessed October 31, 2026
County guidance on municipal and unincorporated permitting jurisdiction.
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Official website of Unified Trades LLC ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Florida contractor license CGC1541508 ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation · Accessed October 31, 2026
Live state lookup showed Current, Active; expiration 08/31/2028; data current as of 10/30/2026 7:00 PM, checked 10/31/2026.
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Official logo image ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Official Unified Trades logo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Concrete structural shell under construction in Miami; image on official site
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Foundation excavation, stem-wall formwork and rebar; official project photo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Crew framing the roof of a new concrete-block home; official project photo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Reinforcing cage for a South Florida backyard swimming-pool shell; official photo
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Official website of Ballagas Construction ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Ballagas Construction ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Florida contractor license CGC1530999 ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation · Accessed October 31, 2026
Live state lookup showed Current, Active; expiration 08/31/2028; data current as of 10/30/2026 7:00 PM, checked 10/31/2026.
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Official logo image ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Official Ballagas Construction logo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Aerial view of the Kaēlo Residence concrete shell under construction, Miami Shores; official project photo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Completed kitchen renovation at Continuum South Tower, Miami Beach; official project photo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Renovated living room at Continuum South Tower, Miami Beach; official project photo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Architectural rendering of Casa Arborēa in Miami Shores, a project identified by the company as in development
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Official website of Safco Construction ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Florida contractor license CGC1517093 ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation · Accessed October 31, 2026
Live state lookup showed Current, Active; expiration 08/31/2028; data current as of 10/30/2026 7:00 PM, checked 10/31/2026.
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Florida plumbing contractor license CFC1432738 ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation · Accessed October 31, 2026
Official state lookup for the plumbing credential listed by the company; verify current status before hire.
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Florida electrical contractor license EC13013756 ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation · Accessed October 31, 2026
Official state lookup for the electrical credential listed by the company; verify current status before hire.
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Official logo image ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Official Safco Construction logo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Crew installing and lining pipe on an urban utility project in Miami; official photo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Steel roof trusses over concrete-block walls at a commercial construction site; official photo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Completed commercial building in South Beach; official project photo
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Official project photo ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Restaurant bar interior with backlit onyx panels and mezzanine; official project photo
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Instagram profile ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://ballagasconstruction.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Facebook profile ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://ballagasconstruction.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Youtube profile ↗
Primary source
Ballagas Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://ballagasconstruction.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Instagram profile ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://safcoconstruction.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Facebook profile ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://safcoconstruction.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Linkedin profile ↗
Primary source
Safco Construction · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://safcoconstruction.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Instagram profile ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://unifiedtradesfl.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Facebook profile ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://unifiedtradesfl.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Tiktok profile ↗
Primary source
Unified Trades LLC · Accessed October 31, 2026
Directly linked from the company website at https://unifiedtradesfl.com/; checked in the in-app browser on 2026-10-31.
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Google Maps listing for Safco Construction ↗
Community source
Google Maps · Accessed October 31, 2026
Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.
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Google Maps listing for Ballagas Construction ↗
Community source
Google Maps · Accessed October 31, 2026
Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.
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Google Maps listing for Unified Trades LLC ↗
Community source
Google Maps · Accessed October 31, 2026
Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.